Filings for candidates running for elected offices at the local level in the Carbon area were relatively light when the county clerk's office closed last Friday.

But filings at the federal level turned out to be heavy for candidates vying for the November 2006 election ballot.

On an interesting note, incumbent United States Sen. Orrin Hatch will face opposition from a fellow Republican in the primary election along with the challenges filed by Democratic and third party candidates.

Four candidates joined Hatch in filing as Republicans in the contest for the U.S. Senate seat.

The Republican candidates filing against Hatch include Lawrence Ray Topham and Michael T. Ridgeway, both of Salt Lake, Ronald H. Levine of Midvale and Brian E. Jenkins of Saratoga Springs.

The only Democrat filing a bid for the seat is Pete Ashdown of Salt Lake.

In the federal congressional district three, Democrat Jim Matheson has served two terms and has filed for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives seat.

Matheson is running unopposed within the Democratic Party.

However, Matheson will face opposition from three Republican candidates.

Filing before the Friday deadline were Republicans LaVar Christensen of Draper, Kris Lounsbury of St. George and Joe Tucker of Lehi.

Additional opposition to the Matheson's re-election bid comes from Bob Brister of Salt Lake, Green Party of Utah; Austin Sherwood Lent of St. George, Libertarian Party; and David W. Perry of Sandy, Constitution Party.

At the state level, neither District 67 Rep. Patrick Painter of Nephi nor District 69 Rep.Brad King face opposition on the November 2006 election ballot.

Since the Sun Advocate reported filings at the county level on March 9, two candidates have joined the local races.

For the commissioner/surveyor position, A. Ward Pierce of Price has filed to run against incumbent Steven Burge.

Two-decade veteran incumbent William Krompel will face Price resident Gerald Lloyd in the county commissioner race.

One other county office will have a challenger on the ballot running against an incumbent.

Vikki Barnett has filed to compete against Sharon Murdock for the recorder's office.

Sheriff James Cordova, treasurer Marilyn Graham, assessor Nancy Ferderber, clerk/auditor Robert Pero and county attorney Gene Strate are all unopposed for the elected positions.

Judge Elayne Storrs will appear on the ballot in November for a retention vote.

The Carbon Board of Education has two seats open in 2006.

Ruby Cordova has filed to run against Ed Chavez Jr. in district five. Wayne E. Woodward will be unopposed in district four.